Coconut oil – all its cracked up to be?

A lot of people, celebrities included, have jumped aboard the coconut oil bandwagon.

But is it a miracle oil, or just another trumped up so-called ‘super’ food with a super price tag to match?

The Good

Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs). Compared to other fatty acids, MCFAs are easier to digest – they are sent straight to the liver to be metabolised and therefore are more likely to be converted into energy rather than being stored as fat.

Despite the benefits, coconut oil contains approximately 92% saturated fat (which is about 30% more than butter!). Saturated fat increases cholesterol (which promotes heart disease) and is extremely high in calories.

The World Health Organisation advises against consuming coconut oil for this very reason.

The verdict

While coconut oil may be less bad than other saturated fats, there is very little research that actually supports claims that coconut oil is good for immunity, weight loss or wellness.

If you opt for coconut oil, remember to select the virgin kind – this means the oil has been extracted directly from the coconut without use of chemicals or heat.

Alternatively, stick with unsaturated kinds of oil:

extra virgin olive oil (which is half the price and also contains antioxidants)

About Author

My ‘real job’ is being a lawyer. I work in entertainment and I love it. I’m also a qualified PT, peanut butter devotee, word junkee and technophobe. When I’m not busy lawyering you‘ll find me gym-ing, sun-seeking or word-smithing.